FC Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas, right, celebrates after scoring the third goal of his team against CD Alaves, during their Spanish Copa del Rey round of 32 first leg soccer match, at the Mendizorroza stadium in Vitoria on Tuesday. (Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press)

Villa opened the scoring in the 40th minute when he perfectly timed his run past Alaves' back four to powerfully latch onto a long pass by Iniesta and send it into the net via the crossbar.

Villa, who missed the second half of last season and the European Championship after breaking his leg, said he's enjoying every minute being back on the pitch.

"From hospital it was difficult to score goals," Villa said. "After all this time I want to play as much as possible, but I am in the hands of professionals and they know what's best for me."

Iniesta added the second in the 51st after a well-worked move. Fabregas won possession deep in Alaves' half and threaded a cross through the defence to Villa, who found Iniesta with a delicate tap. The Spain midfielder then scored with a delightfully controlled lob over Alaves goalkeeper Urtzi Iturrioz.

Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez had what appeared to be a legitimate goal disallowed for offside in the 56th minute. But Fabregas rose above the Alaves defence in the centre of the penatly area to head in a precisely aimed cross from the right by Dani Alves in the 88th.